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How to Get a Confirmed ADHD Diagnosis The process of confirming an ADHD diagnosis isn't as simple as taking a test online or rating scale. The process includes an evaluation of psychological and medical aspects. Doctors look over family and medical histories, including old school records and tests from the past. Teachers, parents as well as children are interviewed about the symptoms. ADHD symptoms often run through families. Signs and symptoms When a person has problems staying focused and paying attention to the details or starting and finishing tasks that require a lot of focus this could be ADHD. Many have other illnesses, such as anxiety or depression, that can produce the same symptoms. It is important to determine the correct diagnosis. A thorough evaluation will determine if the symptoms are due to ADHD or other disorders. A mental health professional with expertise in adult ADHD or a psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist who is skilled in ADHD can conduct an assessment. They will ask questions and discuss with the person about their symptoms and how long they've been exhibiting them, how often, and how severe they are. They will ask about the person's medical history and family history as well as their school and work experiences, and even the family. It is essential that a doctor knows about any problems a patient may be experiencing, such as financial troubles or relationship issues. They might also have to speak to the person's employer or teacher about any issues they've encountered with the person's performance at work or at school. For children, the doctor will interview the parents and may need to interview other adults like teachers, coaches, or nannies. During the exam, the provider will take the patient's medical history and perform a physical. The physical exam is used to determine if a person has a medical condition such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorder which may be a symptom of ADHD. They will also review any relevant documents, like the person's employment and education history. The provider will also conduct a behavioral or psychological test. This could be a checklist of symptoms or a rating system that determines the feelings of an individual about certain behaviors. They may also use tests for cognitive or learning disabilities to determine if someone suffers from a disorder similar to ADHD, such as an issue with learning. They'll also ask the person about their lifestyle, including whether they are in stressful situations or if they have any other medical conditions that can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. They will also ask about the person's ability to follow directions and interact with other people. Diagnosis The signs of ADHD can affect many areas of life for both children and adults. These symptoms include difficulty at school and at work and in extracurricular activities, and troubled relationships. These problems can also affect driving and finances. The first step to getting an accurate diagnosis is finding a medical professional who is knowledgeable about ADHD. You could ask your child's doctor to perform a screening or consult a psychiatrist who is skilled in treating mental illness. The doctor will first talk to the patient regarding their behavior. In general doctors will ask about symptoms for at least six months. This ensures that the symptoms are consistent and that they have persisted over time. The examiner will use an assessment scale that is designed to evaluate symptoms of ADHD, such as the ASRS (Adult Self-Report Scale), or the DSM-5 (the official guideline for diagnosing psychiatric disorders). The specialist will also ask about any current problems and look over the patient's medical background, including any family history of ADHD. They will also look at the person's academic and driving history and relationships and family issues. The examiner will also want to be aware of the person's lifestyle, including whether they have drug or alcohol abuse problems. To determine ADHD A specialist must be able to prove that the symptoms are not caused by any other disorder. In general, the symptoms must be present in multiple situations and persist for at minimum six months. The symptoms must also be debilitating, and not triggered by any other illness. The doctor may conduct one of the tests for attention like the TOVA Continuous Performance Test, to confirm the diagnosis. The TOVA test is administered using a computer software and involves the observation of visual stimuli like letters or shapes appearing on the screen. The user is able to watch the stimuli, and presses the button when they see the correct letter. The TOVA program calculates scores to determine the degree of difficulty that a person has with attention-related tasks. Treatment A mental health professional will examine the symptoms of ADHD. This will include a physical exam along with a review of medical and family history, and a mental assessment. The evaluation will contain questions about symptoms and how they affect the individual's performance. It will also include standardized ADHD scales for behavior and other psychological tests. The clinician may also interview the patient's significant other, if applicable. This is not a test of honesty, but rather to find out more about the patient's experiences and behaviour. It is common for people with ADHD to have trouble recalling details about their childhood. It can be useful to conduct interviews with adults who have known them for a lengthy time. This will aid the physician in determining other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. For children the evaluator may interview the parents and teachers of the child. This is especially important if a child is experiencing problems at school. Additionally, test for adhd adults will likely ask about the child's social life and how his or her school and home life are organized. This is important since the social environment is the primary source of stress and problems for those with ADHD. In adult patients, the physician will use a similar rating scale but it is more sophisticated and used to collect research data on symptoms. In certain instances, the examiner may also utilize computerized testing to check for signs of ADHD. The most frequently used test is called the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ADHD-RS) and was created by the National Institute of Mental Health. Another type of test on computers is the continuous performance test (CPT) is a measure of the capacity of an individual to maintain attention for a set amount of time. The evaluator will determine whether the individual is in compliance with the ADHD diagnostic criteria as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5). This means that the individual has had six or more established symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity for at least six months and the symptoms have significantly impacted their social, academic and occupational functioning. Medication If your child is diagnosed with ADHD medications are likely to be part of the treatment program. Stimulant medications are absorbed into the bloodstream and offer quick relief from symptoms. These drugs must, however, be administered with caution. A high dose of stimulants can lead to heart issues or addiction. The drugs that release slowly into the body, like atomoxetine or guanfacine are safer but they don't work in the same way as stimulants. These drugs might not be an option for children who have some medical issues such as Tourette syndrome or congenital heart disease. Psychotherapy is an essential element of the treatment plan for adults who have ADHD. Therapists can assist people in learning better organizational skills and discover strategies to improve their work performance and social relationships. For instance, a therapist may teach the person to use reminders such as alarms or daily planners to help them stay on track. Therapists can help adults with ADHD manage their emotions and figure out ways to cope better with stressors. For adults suffering from ADHD, a psychologist or psychiatrist can conduct tests that screen for depression, anxiety, learning disabilities and other disorders that could be similar to or coexist with ADHD such as a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder. Psychiatrists can conduct a physical exam and look over the person's medical history, family history and their behavior. Some therapists employ computer tests to screen adults for ADHD symptoms. The test assesses the capacity to sustain attention and resist impulsive impulses by prompting the person with visual targets on a screen. The test assesses the cognitive abilities of a person. It can be used with self-report questions to give the clinician an objective assessment of a patient's response to treatment. A newer genetic test is now available which can reveal how a person's body will process medications. The test can assist doctors in selecting the right medication for each individual and help avoid adverse side adverse effects. However, this type of test is expensive and is not readily available. A medical professional is still the most reliable method to determine ADHD in the individual.